Weapon Sights to Semiconductors: Women Shaping Tech Frontiers

By: Apoorva Raut, CTO, RRP Electronics

Apoorva Raut is a technology leader with expertise spanning power electronics, optics, and semiconductor systems. With a comprehensive experience in R&D, product development and process integration, she has driven innovation in advanced arms sites, semiconductor packaging and high-influence technology strategies.

In an exclusive conversation with the Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine, Apoorva shares her views on women’s leadership in hardcore tech sectors. She talks about the unique contributions women bring to precision tech, the importance of trusting intuition, and strategies for navigating leadership challenges in highly specialized engineering environments.

To know more about Apoorva’s perspectives on design-thinking, collaboration, and women in tech leadership, read the interview below.

In your opinion, what uniquely contributions do women make to design-thinking in precision tech?

There are two key aspects of development: executing a project and managing it. In both areas, women often excel; especially in R&D; bringing strategy, consistency, and a steady approach to problem-solving. Their patience, persistence, and strong listening skills make them exceptional troubleshooters and effective project managers.

With the right technical knowledge, women contribute significantly to successful product development through thoughtful leadership and resilience throughout long design cycles.

What’s one critical decision you made in a product cycle where intuition, not data, led the way? How can women leaders learn to trust their instincts more in tech roles?

During my time in R&D, when I decided to start developing weapon sights with a young team, I still believe it was the best decision I made for the company. We spent two years building knowledge and developing design and production methods, which are now proving valuable as the company enters full-fledged production. Taking the initiative to start something with minimal resources in a startup environment is always a critical decision.

When I moved to RRP Electronics to establish a semiconductor facility, I faced critical decisions at every step to meet tight timelines. From product selection and process integration to equipment choices, entering a completely new field; each decision demanded extensive research, effort, and mental resilience.

I always encourage the women on my team to speak up by creating a comfortable and open workspace. I’ve seen some of the best solutions come from young women in the team.

When leading teams on highly specialized technologies, how do you manage pushback in high-stakes conversations?

Over time, with the right guidance, I’ve learned to manage my approach and maintain clarity. I’ve experienced this at every stage, especially when making critical decisions that were often questioned or met with resistance.

My strategy has been to establish a solid technical foundation; clearly presenting the immediate requirements, along with the pros and cons of each option. Demonstrating technical capabilities to my higher management has consistently helped me navigate challenges smoothly, without needing to be overly assertive.

Have you observed any unique behavioral patterns or problem-solving styles among women in your technology teams?

Patience and consistency are two of the most important qualities that help a team succeed in any endeavor. With persistence and a strong desire to learn, women often excel at what they do. In quality control, I have often seen that women have a better knack for defect detection and root cause analysis.

As a result, I’ve often seen women approach their work with sincerity, whether in technical or non-technical roles. Having a woman on your team brings a valuable perspective, and when given a comfortable, open space to express themselves, they often contribute strong problem-solving ideas.

Given your work across opto-mechanical design and electronics, how do you encourage multifunctional collaboration, when technical silos create barriers for women's growth?

When it comes to optical, mechanical, or electronics design, you’ll find very few women in these areas. When there is a woman on the team, it’s important to ensure that she feels comfortable with her teammates. I always make sure her opinions are valued and her solutions are considered. It is the responsibility of a manager to create an environment where women feel safe and recognized as an important part of the team.

What is a belief, habit, or behavior that women in hardcore technology leadership should unlearn to prosper and create credibility?

Unfair social traditions often hold women back from making decisions that are critical for their growth. Women should develop the strength to push back against unfair traditions and workplace cultures in order to create their own space in the corporate world. I’ve often noticed that women hesitate to share their thoughts. I believe women need to unlearn the fear of being opinionated and embrace the confidence to speak up. It's always better to express your thoughts at the right place and time than to regret staying silent. Never give up on your dreams; no matter how much resistance you face, you should never stop dreaming bigger for yourself.